When I first started the store, I needed to find a payroll processor. Naturally I was referred to the big box name, the first one being ADP. I had a local rep and he helped set things up fast so I was ready to go.

I had a portal online which was wonky at best, but my employees had direct deposit, paystubs they could access easily and if I had a question, my rep was a phone call away.

It didn’t take long to be switched over to someone new due to turn over or a department change. It was getting more difficult to reach someone or get an answer when they weren’t familiar with my account.

I was ready for a change and jumped over to…. drum roll… Paychex. Their pricing was competitive, I had a dedicated rep, same features are ADP and life goes on. Well I was running into the same problems and after a while you see how easily fees add up. What exactly was I paying for to “process”?

My little research brain got to work and I found this smaller online payroll company called Gusto. I’m pretty sure they were still newer at the time, but I liked how the interface looked online, thanks to their free trial, and the pricing was great!

My employees were able to register all their information with a link I would send them versus paperwork and scanning… yeah, paperwork. They could log in anytime online or with the easy to use mobile app. Payroll was easy to submit and if I had a question, I could get a live person or chat almost instantly.

I had so many tax questions and what I thought was complicated they made simple. The best part is, their customer service is included, I wasn’t paying per hour to have someone look up something for me unlike an accountant.

Notable Gusto features:

• Tax filing and payment
• Financial benefits- 401K, Roth, Simple IRA, 529
• Medical, vision and dental health care, life insurance, HSA/FSA
• Option to help pay for commuting, a company car
• Option to contribute to a gym membership or cell phone plan
• Time clock employees can use to track hours
• Time off requests, paid holidays, PTO options
• Customizable reports for taxes and expenses

I have referred Gusto to so many other bridal shop owners and businesses because I truly love the value I get from them with customer service while saving money. There are subscription levels to sign up with, depending on the benefits you need for your size business. Businesses with contract workers can also use this!

Check out their demo, download their app and see how many features they offer for your small business. If I had employees or plan to start another business down the road with employees I would 100% use Gusto again in a heartbeat.